​Creative Kokeshi by Hideo Ishihara, 1970s, Japan

A minimalist Japanese sōsaku kokeshi by renowned artist Hideo Ishihara (1925–1999), distinguished by its striking design.

Dimensions: H 28.5 cm × Ø 10 cm.

This handcrafted wooden kokeshi is characterised by its clean, cylindrical silhouette and boldly simplified design. The large, softly rounded head is finished in deep black, while the face retains the warm, honey-coloured tone of the natural wood.

The slender body features a rich, dark brown finish that allows the natural wood grain to remain visible. A few delicate horizontal lines subtly interrupt the surface, enhancing the graphic quality of the design.

Its minimalist aesthetic reflects the spirit of Ishihara’s ‘Poetic Craft’, a series in which the natural beauty of wood, simplicity and sculptural forms took centre stage.

The underside bears the artist’s signature in red.

In beautiful vintage condition, with a natural patina and minor signs of age.

A refined and distinctive example of postwar Japanese design, equally compelling as a sculptural art object or as an elegant accent in a thoughtfully curated interior.